Terence Crawford delivered an absolute masterclass to best Mexican superstar Saul Canelo Alvarez and stun the boxing world at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
Despite climbing three weight classes from the welterweight division, Crawford out skilled Canelo to clinch the unanimous decision win to become the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world.
The judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113, 115-113 for Crawford who improved his record to 42 wins in 42 bouts two weeks before turning 38.
Canelo caught Crawford with a pair of straight right punches in the fourth round and the Mexican stepped up his attack in the fifth round to register what was his best display at that stage of the bout.
Crawford landed punches from range and used his elite footwork to step out of harm’s way further frustrating Canelo.
The pair traded shots in a very entertaining ninth round but Crawford finished strongly to score the massive win.
“I told y’all I’m not here just by a coincidence. God blessed me. He made this event, and he made this night just for me. And I’ve been telling y’all that. It’s not my fault. It’s God’s” Crawford said after the win.
On his part, Canelo Alvarez, who lost for the third time in his 68th professional bout, brought up the possibility of a rematch stating, “I feel great to share the ring with great fighters like him. If we do it again then it’ll be great.”
